President Trump today

What we covered here

What we covered here

Trump speaks: The President spoke to reporters this morning on a wide range of issues, including the new IG report on the handling of the Clinton email investigation.

11:30 a.m. ET, June 15, 2018

Trump could stop family separation policy with a phone call, senior Republican says

Sen. Lindsay Graham told CNN's Kate Bolduan that President Trump could stop the Department of Homeland Security from separating young, undocumented children from their parents when families are detained for illegally crossing the southern border.

"President Trump could stop this policy with a phone call," Graham said. "I'll go tell him: If you don't like families being separated, you can tell DHS, 'Stop doing it.'"

Earlier today, President Trump falsely blamed Democrats for the thousands of migrant children who have been separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border. His administration's zero-tolerance policy to refer anyone caught crossing the border illegally for federal prosecution has led to a notable uptick in the number of children taken from their parents since the change was announced in May.

However, Graham added that the separation policy discourages illegal immigration.

"I'm sure that people are going to be less likely to bring their kids to America if they get separated than if they lived together and get released into the country. I'm real sure about that," Graham said.

11:32 a.m. ET, June 15, 2018

Sen. Lindsey Graham wants to challenge the inspector general on his report findings

Graham wants to ask Horowitz why he found no evidence of bias on the part of the FBI and Department of Justice in the Clinton email investigation.

"I think he'll be challenged about his conclusion," the South Carolina lawmaker said. "I think he's a good guy. And we'll see what happens. I'll tell you better after I hear him explain why he got to where he did."

10:30 a.m. ET, June 15, 2018

Trump: "I feel badly" for Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn

President Trump wants people to know that he feels bad for his former colleagues who are facing charges in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

"I feel badly about a lot of them because I think a lot of it is very unfair," the President said.

"Manafort has nothing to do with our campaign," Trump said. "But I tell you, I feel a little badly about it. They went back 12 years to get things that he did 12 years ago. Paul Manafort worked for me for a very short period of time."

He also expressed distress for former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with Russia's ambassador.

"I feel badly for General Flynn. He's lost his house, he's lost his life. And some people say, 'he lied' and some people say, 'he didn't lie.' Really it turned out maybe he didn't lie," he told reporters.

Trump declined to say whether he would offer up a pardon for his former colleagues.

"I do want to see people treated fairly," he said. "That's what it's all about."

10:09 a.m. ET, June 15, 2018

Trump says Michael Cohen isn't his personal lawyer anymore

President Trump told reporters that Michael Cohen is no longer his personal lawyer.

"I haven't spoken to Michael in a long time," Trump said. "But I always liked Michael. And he's a good person."

Cohen has not been charged with a crime, but the FBI raid of his home, hotel room and office in early April revealed that prosecutors had zeroed in on his personal financial dealings, including the payment he made to porn star Stormy Daniels on Trump's behalf before the election.

This week, Rudy Giuliani, one of President Trump's lawyers in the Russia investigation, said Cohen is not cutting a deal with federal prosecutors.

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10:57 a.m. ET, June 15, 2018

Trump falsely blames Democrats for separation of immigrant children from parents at the border

President Trump, speaking moments ago to reporters on the White House lawn, falsely blamed Democrats for the thousands of migrant children who have been separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border.

"The children, the children can be taken care of quickly, beautifully and immediately," Trump said.

"The Democrats forced that law upon our nation. I hate it. I hate to see separation of parents and children."

Trump said the "Democrats' law" forced that action at the border.

"The Democrats can come to us as they actually are in all fairness. We are talking to them, and they can change the whole border security," the President said.

Trump said on Fox News' "Fox and Friends" that he is not planning to sign the negotiated measure.

"I'm looking at both of them. I certainly wouldn't sign the more moderate one," Trump said. "I need a bill that gives this country tremendous border security. I have to have that. We have to get rid of catch-and-release."

The compromise is effectively doomed: Without Trump's support, and with a pledge to veto the legislation, it would be almost impossible to pass the legislation in the House, as members across the ideological spectrum are already hesitant to back the legislation on the political third-rail issue and many lawmakers have said they are only interested in a bill that can become law.